TexasHoops.Rivals.com's staff writer Mark McKee spoke to players and coaches about the up coming season. McKee targets Waxahachie, Richardson and Lake Highlands in his spotlight article.
Waxahachie put it on Richardson High school in their match game at the Duncanville GASO, and coach Greg Gober of Waxahachie commented that his team had been working out and Richardson hadn’t, which spoke to the difference in play.
Several new additions to the Waxahachie squad make them one of the premier teams in the state. Jalen Lake (2021) returns to the Indians loaded locker room, and the 6’5” Lake has several schools looking at him, Oklahoma State, Colorado State, TCU, and Oral Roberts. 6’6” Montez Young (2021) joins the Indians from Mansfield Lake Ridge, and 6’7” Darkuan King (2023) lends a hand inside after playing a year ago at Ft. Worth Wyatt.
Prince Banks (2022) is another gifted addition coming in from Mexia. Waxahachie’s four-year letterman, CJ Noland, returns for another season with Indians. The multi-talented Noland is as strong as any player you will see at the high school level. His balance, strength, and skills put him at an elite level. “He’s so versatile, he can play all five positions. With his experience he will be a valuable leader this year for us,” Coach Gober said. When asked to compare CJ to past players wearing the green and white, Coach Gober didn’t hesitate, “CJ compares favorably to any player I’ve coached at Waxahachie.”
CJ an Oklahoma Sooner commit to Oklahoma, says he has a special relationship with Coach Gober, “I love coach Gober, he’s a father figure for me.”
When asked to compare this year’s team to last year Coach Gober feels this group will be deeper. “Even though we lost several key players I think we will be deeper,” Gober explained. CJ answered the same question saying, “we are scrappier than any of the previous teams I’ve played with.” If you have the Indians on the schedule this year you had better be ready. Waxahachie handled Richardson and Killeen Ellison easily at the GASO.
Cason Wallace has a strong following at Richardson High School after his first two years of varsity action. The gifted junior has colleges excited about his numerous skills. “He understands the game, great ball-handler, and has really improved on his shooting,” Coach Kevin Lawson said. When asked about his return to the Eagles, Cason responded, “I have strong ties to Richardson, my brother played here, I love playing here with my teammates and coaching staff.” Cason’s older brother was a standout at Richardson and is presently playing at UTSA. His cousin in Tyrell Harris of the Cleveland Cavs fame. Coming from a basketball family has carried over with Cason’s love for the game. Several division-one programs are very interested in his talents. “I don’t want to get to far from home in college,” Cason said. The multi-talented Wallace will be hotly pursued as a 6’4” point guard.
When you sit down to watch a GASO game and the scorekeeper tells you the best player on the court is a freshman, that gets your attention. That’s how much recognition Tre Johnson of Lake Highlands receives. If he stays healthy, he will have a tremendous effect on the Wildcat program. Tre attended Coyle Middle school in Garland last year and moved over to Lake Highlands where his father coaches’ football. Tre is very excited about the coming varsity season and has already received offers from Prairie View. He’s been playing straight basketball since the 7th grade. Remember his name, you’ll be hearing it a lot over the next few years. His talent and skills make him a standout with length and skill at 6’4”.
